SGB Update Outdoor
Retail Sales Grew 3.8 Percent in September; Sporting Goods Trailing Market
The U.S. Census Bureau said overall retail sales in September were up 0.7 percent from August and up 3.8 percent year-over-year. The National Retail Federation (NRF) said the gains have moderated as consumers face continued pressures from the slowed economy.
Winnebago Sales Decline Accelerates in Summer Quarter; Profits Nearly Halved
Revenues fell 34.6 percent to $771.0 million for the Fiscal 2023 fourth quarter ended August 26. Fiscal 2023 fourth quarter net income was $43.8 million, a decrease of 47.0 percent. Full year revenues were down $1.5 billion to $3.5 billion, a decline of 29.6 percent.
Outerknown to Open Four Stores
Outerknown, the sustainable clothing brand, co-founded by pro surfer Kelly Slater, reported plans to open four brick-and-mortar retail stores, bringing the total operating store count to nine, with one store slated to open in Spring 2024.
CrankTank Hires Managing Director for Europe, Opens Innsbruck Office
The digital marketing and e-commerce strategy agency hired German-born marketer Susanne Pfrengle as managing director of CrankTank Europe and opened a new office in Innsbruck, Austria to service its European business.
Thor Industries Board Member to Retire
Thor Industries, Inc. announced that Wilson Jones, a member of its Board of Directors, is retiring effective December 15, following nine years of service.
Dalbello Appoints Global Brand Business Director
The Italian ski boot brand has confirmed that Giuseppe Bianchini was appointed as global brand business director this past summer and is now responsible for the brand’s “strategic direction in an international context.”
Krimson Klover Hires Pacific Northwest Sales Rep
Krimson Klover hired Katie Borgen as a sales rep covering the Pacific Northwest, which includes Oregon, Idaho, Washington, and Alaska. Borgen has a decade of experience working in the outdoor space.
Academy Sports to Open in Jefferson City
Academy Sports + Outdoors opened a store in Jefferson City, its eleventh location in Missouri, at 739 Stoneridge Parkway.
VF Appoints VP Supply Chain Operations, EMEA
VF Corp. named An Claes as VP of supply chain operations, EMEA. She replaces Stuart Pond, who is now VP of global supply chain platforms.
Signa Sports’ Largest Shareholder Terminates Equity Commitment Letter
Signa Sports United N.V., which in early October announced plans to delist its shares from the NYSE, said it had received a termination notice concerning the unconditional Equity Commitment Letter from Signa Holding GmbH, an affiliate of the company’s largest shareholder Signa International Sports Holding GmbH.
SFIA Launches Super Regionals Series
The Sports & Fitness Industry Association is launching a Super Regional Series in November, offering members, partners and industry leaders the opportunity to come together to discuss business insights and topics driving today’s sporting goods and fitness environment.
Grand Design and Camping World Partner on Store
Grand Design RV, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Winnebago Industries, and Camping World announced the opening of an exclusive Grand Design brand store in Green Bay, WI.
REI Lays Off Nearly 275 Retail Employees
REI Co-op is laying off about 275 retail employees, roughly 2 percent of its in-store workforce, as the retailer implements updates to its store operations system and labor structure.
Consumer Sentiment Slides in October
The University of Michigan’s preliminary Index of Consumer Sentiment for October declined 7.5 percent from month-over-month in September to 63 from 68.1 and below the 67.4 reading that analysts had expected.
Under Armour Hires Gap Inc. Vet as Chief Supply Chain Officer
The company hired retail industry veteran Shawn Curran as chief supply chain officer, reporting to President and CEO Stephanie Linnartz. After three decades working at Gap, Inc., Curran will join Under Armour on October 16.
